Bulldogs Move Into First Place at Xavier LPGA Invitational

DAYTONA, Fla. -
Yale came storming back on Saturday to overtake everyone at the Xavier LPGA Invitational and move into first place. The team shot a round of 296, which tied the all-time team record for Yale, bringing their two-day total to 601. They currently sit three shots ahead of Florida Atlantic (604) and four shots ahead of Eastern Michigan (605).

"We had some windy conditions and still shot really low," said sophomore Alyssa Roland. "We are really happy to tie the team record, but we know we can go even lower. All of us still shot over-par."

The Bulldogs were led today by freshman Callie Kemmer, who shot a round of 73 (+1), with three birdies and four bogeys. She currently sits in 24th place. Kemmer was followed closely by senior captain Natasha Spackey and sophomore Cassie Boles. They both shot rounds of 74 (+2), bringing their two-day totals to 148 and 151, respectively. Spackey is tied for seventh, while Boles is tied with Roland for 15th.

"I started out double bogey, bogey on the first two holes today," said Spackey. "But I shot one-under on the back nine to get things back under control. The key today, for everyone, was staying focused. We have been working really hard on our mental attitude this fall. Each of us individually needs to know that even if we are struggling, we can come back. We just need to deal with things in a positive manner, and we definitely did that today. It shows in the scores."

All five Yale golfers carded scores in the 70's. Roland and sophomore Harriet Owers-Bradley rounded out the team with scores of 75 (+3) and 79 (+7), respectively. Roland is tied for 15th with Boles and Owers-Bradley is tied for 32nd.

The tournament is currently being led by Therese Nilsson of Lamar, who shot back-to-back rounds of 72. She sits at even-par for the tournament. Behind her is a three-way tie for second between Olivia Higgins of Charleston Southern, Praewnapa Phol-Uayporn of Florida Atlantic and Channing Norton of Lamar. All three golfers shot 146 (+2) in the first two rounds of the tournament.

The Bulldogs will look to hold their lead heading into the final day of the tournament.

"It's been a while since we have had the lead going into the final day," said Spackey. "We need to play knowing that we are in the lead, without letting it affect us. I've told the girls to play their hearts out, make smart decisions, and play the course - not the teams you are competing against."